My First Trip to the State Farmer's Market

After 22 years of living in North Carolina, I went to the Raleigh Farmers Market for the first time last week. I can’t believe I had never been before! As an avid market visitor, you would think that I would be all over this huge state farmers market. I guess I have just gotten caught up in selling at local markets and forgot to explore more. 

My favorite part about the Raleigh Farmer’s Market is that it is open until 6 p.m. 7 days a week! That means even if I am selling at a local market one weekend, I can still make time to go afterwards or even during the week. Talk about convenient!

Whenever you go to the State Farmers Market, it’s going to be an all day thing. It’s the largest farmers market I have ever been to. Just one of the numerous pavilions at the state farmers market is larger than the average farmers markets I have been to. There are several different areas to shop at including the farmers building, market shoppes, market imports, wholesale terminal, and, to top it all off, three delicious smelling restaurants. (I have decided that the next time I go, I will be getting my hands on a piece of home cooking from the State Farmers Market Restaurant!)

I went on a Sunday with my friend Kassidy and her mom Tina before Kassidy's appointment to try on wedding dresses. We spent a solid couple of hours here before scooting off to her bridal dress appointment and we didn’t even get to see all of the shops! But what I did see, I loved!

The State Farmers Market had everything that you could have ever wanted fresh. And I’m not just talking about the best looking fruits and veggies I have ever seen (I mean, everything I saw was hearty and colorful!), but also fresh baked breads and pastries as well as every type of plant and cut flower you could imagine. Even better, every farmer was offering some sort of sample! I filled up on samples of fresh peaches, blueberries, and bread. Over at the market shoppes, we did a quick run through of handmade knick-knacks and more breads, pastries and candies before we had to go.

At the end of our time there, my haul consisted of a jar of local honey, dried coconut candy, two fresh baked cookies, four peaches, a pound of zucchini, and a giant sage plant. I think we filled up our bags and dropped off at the car somewhere close to three times before we left! I wanted so much more, but I had promised myself not to go way overboard. I will be prepared next time, though!

So, if you ever get a chance to check out the Raleigh Farmers Market, you really should! It is now one of my top things to do in Raleigh! It is a fantastic experience. Plus, it’s always a good idea to support local farmers, growers, and makers! As a local market seller myself, I am a huge advocate for this.
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The State Farmers Market is located at 1201 Agriculture St. in Raleigh, North Carolina. Thanks to Kassidy and her mom for finally getting me to the State Farmers Market!

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